Will Wes Welker's contract situation affect performance?

Jeff Howe Thursday, July 05, 2012

After breaking down the Patriots' group of wide receivers earlier, let's place the spotlight on them with some more analysis.

Through July 12, The Blitz will highlight one position per day on the Patriots' roster. The morning post will be a strict breakdown, and the afternoon post will highlight the position's superlatives. Today's edition focuses on the wide receivers.

Pressure to perform: "Pressure" might not be the right word, but Wes Welker's performance will draw a lot of attention this season due to the contract squabble. If Welker doesn't get the long-term deal in place by July 16, he'll be faced with the same questions throughout the season, and that gets annoying. If he does sign a long-term contract, it's natural for a player to feel the burden of trying to validate it. Either way, this story isn't set to go away anytime soon.

Breakout candidate: It's weird to place this label on a player who led the NFL in receiving yards two years ago, but Brandon Lloyd has the chance to be a star if he thrives with Tom Brady and the Patriots, who are a fixture in the national spotlight. If Lloyd proves he can post big numbers with Brady, his stock will increase significantly across the league.

Key role player: Don't forget about Deion Branch, who has 99 receptions for 1,408 yards and 10 touchdowns in 26 games game during his second stint with the Patriots. Everyone is looking at Welker, Lloyd and the new additions, but Branch has been a valuable asset for Brady, who relies on their chemistry when things get tough.

On the bubble: Donte Stallworth has wanted a second chance with the Patriots since the two parted ways in 2008, but even if he plays well in August, it's going to be tough to earn a spot on the roster. However, it's telling that the coaches have gotten Stallworth in the mix as a kick returner, which he hasn't done since 2003. With such an intense competition at wide receiver, it's imperative that the last two or three players who make the team also bring something to the table on special teams. By putting Stallworth on the kick return unit in camp, the coaches have proven they want to give him every chance to make the team.

Rookie watch: Seventh-round pick Jeremy Ebert was a revered slot receiver at Northwestern, catching 137 passes for 2,013 yards and 19 touchdowns over his last two seasons, but the odds are against him to make the Patriots' active roster out of camp with Welker and Julian Edelman ahead of him on the depth chart. Another problem, if Ebert plays well enough to earn a roster spot, the Patriots will have a difficult time sliding him through waivers and onto the practice squad.

Best depth-chart battle: Branch and Jabar Gaffney will have their opportunities to contribute on the field, but who gets more reps? Brady loves working with both, and they do similar things on the outside. It's a great problem for the Patriots to have, but the veterans will compete for starting-caliber reps.